Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Sanne Dijkstra-Downie has urged the Scottish Government to rethink its decision to exclude the right to a healthy environment from its future Human Rights Bill.
Minister for Equalities, Simita Kumar, said that the government will “not include a standalone right to a healthy environment in the future Human Rights Bill.”
The right is about making sure people have access to clean air, a safe climate, safe water and adequate sanitation, healthy and sustainably produced food, non-toxic environments in which to live, work, study and play, and healthy biodiversity and ecosystems.
Recognising this right was a key recommendation of the Scottish Government’s National Taskforce for Human Rights Leadership in 2021.
In 2023, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice said that legislating for this right was a “necessary and important step for Scotland now to take”.
In their manifesto, Scottish Liberal Democrats committed to recognising everyone’s human right to a healthy environment.
Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh Northern and party spokesperson for the environment Sanne Dijkstra-Downie said: “I am deeply disappointed to see that the Scottish Government is withholding such a fundamental human right.
“Everybody deserves access to clean air, safe water and sanitation, as well as a stable climate. Without these protections, people are exposed to severe physical illnesses, mental health struggles, and long-term societal damage ranging from toxic chemical and radiation exposure to deepening food insecurity.
“As Scotland faces a surge in energy-intensive infrastructure, including the proposed development of massive data centres and chip-manufacturing plants, it is more vital than ever to establish robust legal frameworks that safeguard our environment and protect future generations.
“Scottish Liberal Democrats remain fully committed to high environmental standards by recognising everyone’s human right to a healthy environment.
“We are determined to work closely with our European neighbours, rather than falling behind international best practice.”
